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Op-Ed: A Conservative Vision for a Safer, Smarter Louisiana | Opinion

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www.thecentersquare.com – By Jordan Richardson | Pelican Institute – (The Center Square – ) 2025-03-24 16:47:00

Crime remains a top concern in Louisiana, outpacing even economic worries for two years running, according to recent surveys. Yet, alongside this demand for safety, Louisianians overwhelmingly support a justice system that balances accountability with rehabilitation – 86% favor alternatives to incarceration for non-violent offenses, and 65% want judges to have more sentencing discretion.

This week, I was proud to work with Smart on Crime Louisiana and the Pelican Institute to release The Future of Justice: A Conservative Vision to Enhance Public Safety in Louisiana, a report that charts a path forward to meet these dual priorities.

Conservatives know that rule of law matters, and crime should clearly have consequences. But toughness alone isn’t strength; it’s failure if offenders return to crime. Louisianians want a system that works – one that punishes but also restores. Our report proposes four pillars to achieve this: empowering law enforcement with transparency and accountability; using data to pinpoint effective programs; creating pathways for the formerly incarcerated to rejoin society; and reforming sentencing laws for fairness and fiscal responsibility. Here’s how lawmakers can act.

First, expand reentry and drug courts. These programs, proven to reduce recidivism, remain underutilized in Louisiana. Only 47.6% of judicial districts offer drug courts, and just 19% have reentry courtsn– lagging far behind neighbors like Alabama and Tennessee, where 100% of districts provide both. Alabama’s Pre-Release and Reentry Program, for instance, slashed recidivism from 30% to 4%, saving money and strengthening communities. For every dollar spent, drug courts return $2.21 – enough to hire a new police officer – or $3.36 for high-risk offenders, nearly a year’s school supplies for a classroom. Louisiana could fund these programs through targeted grants and training, ensuring every district can offer these pathways to redemption.

Second, adopt a felony classification system. With over 600 felony offenses, Louisiana’s current sentencing framework is a maze of inconsistencies. Stealing $4,950 worth of goods carries a five-year maximum, but $5,050 – barely $100 more – doubles that to 10. Louisiana’s neighbors show a better way: Arkansas sorts felonies into Classes Y through D, Florida ranks them from third-degree to capital, Tennessee uses A to E, and Texas spans state jail to first-degree levels – all structured systems inspired by clear models like the Model Penal Code. A tiered system, as urged by the 2018 Louisiana Felony Class System Task Force, would standardize penalties, cut disparities, and bring clarity and predictability to a system James Madison might have called too “voluminous” to read or “incoherent” to understand.

Third, improve data collection. In 2022, only 58% of Louisiana’s law enforcement agencies reported crime data to the FBI, with just 37% submitting a full year’s worth – placing the state behind 39 others. Better data, backed by training and annual reporting mandates, would show what’s working, where crime festers, and how to deploy resources smartly. Without it, we’re guessing in the dark.

Finally, address the overuse of fines and fees that many can never afford to pay and are a fiscally irresponsible way of funding the state’s courts. Louisiana’s 600-plus charges – funding judicial salaries and operations – also create an appearance of conflict, as seen in federal rulings like Caliste v. Cantrell and Cain v. White. Repealing obscure penalties, capping fees, and expanding ability-to-pay assessments would restore trust and fairness.

These reforms aren’t about going soft – they’re about getting smart. They uphold the rule of law while offering second chances, saving taxpayer dollars, and building safer neighborhoods. Louisiana can lead as a model of conservative justice: firm, fair, and forward-looking. Lawmakers should seize this moment to act. The full report is available at pelicanpolicy.org – let’s start the conversation today.

Jordan Richardson is a Visiting Scholar at the Pelican Institute and author of The Future of Justice.

The post Op-Ed: A Conservative Vision for a Safer, Smarter Louisiana | Opinion appeared first on www.thecentersquare.com

News from the South - Louisiana News Feed

Saturday 10 PM Tropics Update: One far-off tropical wave to watch

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www.youtube.com – WWLTV – 2025-09-13 22:34:05

SUMMARY: A tropical wave near Africa is emerging over the Atlantic but remains disorganized. The National Hurricane Center gives it a 60% chance to develop into a depression or tropical storm, possibly becoming Gabrielle. This system may move northward, staying over the open Atlantic and away from the Gulf, posing no immediate threat. Since the last named storm in late August, stable air, dry conditions, and increased wind shear have suppressed tropical activity in the Atlantic. The next storm names are Gabrielle, Humberto, and Imelda, with only the current wave showing potential for development at this time.

Meteorologist Alexandra Cranford tracks a lone disturbance with a chance of development on Saturday night, September 13, 2025.

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Haynes wanted in on Wildlife bribery scheme too, informant says

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thecurrentla.com – Leslie Turk – 2025-09-11 15:30:00

SUMMARY: Dusty Guidry, a former consultant who pleaded guilty to accepting $800,000 in bribes, testified that Assistant District Attorney Gary Haynes sought involvement in a bribery scheme at the Louisiana Department of Wildlife & Fisheries. Haynes, on trial for conspiracy, bribery, money laundering, and obstruction, was previously appointed to run Lafayette’s pretrial diversion program after supporting DA Don Landry. Guidry revealed Haynes pressured him to include him in a similar diversion program scheme at Wildlife & Fisheries, receiving checks totaling $90,000. The scheme involved splitting bribes among Guidry, vendor Leonard Franques, and former department secretary Jack Montoucet, who has also been charged. The statewide program never launched.

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The post Haynes wanted in on Wildlife bribery scheme too, informant says appeared first on thecurrentla.com

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OPPJ Comprehensive Plan

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www.youtube.com – KTVE – 2025-09-10 21:15:08

SUMMARY: The Ouachita Parish Police Jury is conducting a series of community meetings to gather public input for their comprehensive plan guiding future growth. Police Jury members, including Larry Bratton from District D, emphasize the importance of reflecting residents’ voices in the master plan. Community members participated in interactive stations, allocating resources to priorities like infrastructure and downtown development, to help shape goals for the next 2, 5, and 20 years. Landscape architect Matt Pizatella and partners from Atlas support the effort. Bratton stresses that without proactive planning, the parish risks costly and less beneficial outcomes in the long term.

OPPJ Comprehensive Plan

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